A Measurement of good health and optimal performance.
VO2 Max Test
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A clear look at your aerobic fitness
What is VO2 Max Testing?
VO2 max is the most oxygen your body can use during hard exercise. It is one of the most common ways to measure aerobic fitness. During the test, you wear a mask connected to a gas analyzer while you walk or run on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike. The work gets harder step by step until your oxygen use levels off. Your kinesiologist, a clinician trained in exercise and movement, then walks you through what your numbers mean. You leave with a report that includes personalized training zones. Testing is available at our Cordova Bay clinic in Victoria and our Commercial Drive clinic in Vancouver. You can use it on its own, as a starting point for VO2 Max Training, or alongside our Longevity Medicine Program.
VO2 max testing can help with:
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Set heart rate zones for running, cycling, triathlon, and other endurance sports
Plan easy and hard training days with more confidence
Track whether your fitness changes over a training block
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Know where your aerobic fitness stands today
Retest to see how it changes with age and training
Pair your results with our Longevity Medicine Program
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Have your results explained in plain language
Ask questions about what your numbers mean for you
Book VO2 Max Training if you want a training plan built around your test
Your Team of Experts
VO2 Max Nerds
Care tailored to you
What to Expect
Your test is set up around your goals, whether you train for a sport or want a baseline for long-term health. Your kinesiologist guides you through each step and explains your results before you leave.
Book an appointment or contact us to learn more.
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Your kinesiologist will talk with you about your activity, training, goals, and any health concerns. You will be fitted with a mask that measures the air you breathe in and out. After a warm-up on the treadmill or stationary bike, the test gets harder in steps until your oxygen use levels off. Afterward, your kinesiologist reviews your results with you. You leave with a report that includes your VO2 max and personalized training zones. Your appointment will include the test and your report.
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VO2 Max Training builds on your test results. Your kinesiologist uses your numbers and goals to create a training plan and adjusts it as your fitness, schedule, or goals change. VO2 Max Training appointments are available at our Commercial Drive clinic in Vancouver. At our Cordova Bay clinic in Victoria, you can book a kinesiology appointment focused on VO2 max training. Some people also choose to retest after a training block to see how their fitness has changed.
FAQs
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For 48 hours before your test, rest or keep training light, and avoid alcohol and smoking. On test day, skip caffeine for 4 hours before, skip food and calorie-containing drinks for 2 hours before, and drink water until 1 hour before. If you have been sick in the past 2 weeks, or you take medication that may affect your heart rate or breathing, contact us before your test. Do not stop a prescribed medication without talking to your doctor. Our Pre-Test Guidelines have the full details.
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Wear comfortable workout clothes and athletic shoes.
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A VO2 max test is $217. This includes your 60-minute appointment, the test, and your results report.
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Coverage depends on your plan. Some extended health plans cover services from a registered kinesiologist. Check with your provider to see what your plan includes.
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No. The test starts at an easy level and gets harder gradually, so it can be adapted to many fitness levels. People book a test to guide sport training, to get a baseline for long-term health, or to plan a return to regular exercise.
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Your kinesiologist reviews your results with you and gives you a report that includes personalized training zones. If you want help using your results, you can book VO2 Max Training for a plan built around your test.
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VO2 max testing is available in person at our Cordova Bay clinic in Victoria and our Commercial Drive clinic in Vancouver.
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How to Book
VO2 max testing is available in person at our Cordova Bay clinic in Victoria and our Commercial Drive clinic in Vancouver.
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